Leadership Lexington Public Art Program

Leadership Lexington Class of 2010 is initiating a national invitation and selection process for public art to produce a portfolio of up to five production-ready proposals for exterior artwork to be permanently installed in downtown Lexington. The process consists of two stages: a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and a follow-up Request for Proposals (RFP). The initiative seeks to generate national interest in public art in Lexington, Kentucky; encourage public interest and input from Lexingtonians; create a list of site-specific publicly-vetted proposals that can be commissioned as soon as funding is secured; and establish a template for public input and professional oversight for aesthetic improvements to the urban streetscape.

Phase I: Request for Qualifications seeks qualified artists with experience producing permanent artwork for the urban streetscape at a cost not to exceed $150,000 per artwork. After jury review, no more than 20 artists will be publicly exhibited and reviewed. Up to five artists will be selected as candidates for the Request for Proposals. Selection criteria include artistic distinction, changeability or interactivity with public or natural elements, sound or acoustic qualities, low maintenance and durability, resonance with Lexington's unique history and heritage, and contextual integration into specific urban sites.

Phase II: Request for Proposals invites up to five selected artists to develop detailed proposals for specific public artwork. Each artist will receive $2,000 upon receipt of qualifying submissions and a travel allowance of up to $600. Proposals must include a written document expressing conceptual framework and artistic point of view, a timeline and budget for production and installation, and an estimate of replacement, routine maintenance, or repair costs. Completed proposals will be assembled as a portfolio to be published and exhibited by Leadership Lexington. All submissions will be reviewed by Leadership Lexington, arts professionals, civic leaders, and community representatives. RFQ submission deadline: February 22, 2010. Finalists will be notified in early April 2010, with RFP submissions due May 24, 2010.

Applications may be submitted through the CAFE system or by mail with 3 hard copies and 1 digital copy on CD to: Leadership Lexington RFQ, c/o ArtsPlace, 161 North Mill Street, Lexington, KY 40507. Required materials include a letter of interest (2 pages maximum), resume (1 page), references, visual support materials formatted for four 8.5 x 11" sheets, and an image list (1 page maximum) with 10 images total. Contact Van Meter Petit ([email protected]) or Mary Pattengill ([email protected]) with questions.